EXPLORING

GUIDE

RETIREMENT LIVING

Introduction

Understanding the benefits of retirement living

Why would I choose retirement living if I don’t require care ?

Case Study: Mary & Douglas

Planning ahead

Case Study: Peter & Anne

“Am I Ready?” Survey

How do I find the right residence for me ?

Can I afford retirement living ?

Understanding your options

Choice of accommodation

What should I look for when taking a tour?

Questions to ask while on a tour of a retirement residence

Tips for making the transition easier

Ready to explore your retirement living options with Chartwell?

CONTENTS

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INTRODUCTIONAs an older adult, you may be at a stage in life where you, or perhaps even a

loved one, may think a move to a retirement residence would be a beneficial

lifestyle change; but how do you know if the time is right? It’s natural to feel

hesitant about embarking on a new chapter in life, as well as to have questions,

if it is unfamiliar territory. You may be asking yourself a number of questions to

gauge whether you’re ready, like “Do I need more assistance with my personal

routine?”, “Can I reasonably still take care of my house or apartment, and do I

even want to?” or “Would I prefer more opportunities to socialize?” Personal

reflection and an understanding of what a retirement lifestyle can offer will both

factor into your determination of readiness.

In this book, we’ll help you to assess your personal situation and understand how

a retirement lifestyle may help to improve your quality of life. Should you feel

you’re ready to begin exploring retirement living further, we’ll also provide you

with some helpful tips and advice that will educate your search for a retirement

residence that suits your individual needs, preferences, and choices.

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UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS OF

RETIREMENT LIVINGMany people associate retirement residences with personal support, and while

assistance with things like your personal routine or medication administration are

important services that help individuals maintain their independence and sense

of security, there are many other programs and services offered in senior living

communities that can positively impact your life. From delicious dining that can

relieve you from grocery shopping and cooking your own meals each day, to

activity calendars chock-full of programs, outings and social opportunities that

can help keep you active and engaged in your community, to the peace of mind

associated with being surrounded by friends and staff who are there if you need

them, retirement living can help you lead a worry-free lifestyle so you can focus

your energy on the things that are most important to you.

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WHY WOULD I CHOOSE

RETIREMENT LIVINGIF I DON’T REQUIRE CARE?Delicious meals, housekeeping, transportation services, on–site activities, 24-hour

security—there are so many benefits associated with retirement living beyond

care support. It is by no means the only reason older adults choose the lifestyle.

According to the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA), many older

adults delay moving into a retirement residence until they start experiencing issues

with completing everyday tasks—a reactive approach rather than a proactive one.

You don’t have to wait for changes in your independence or a health incident

before considering your options. Besides the potential health and wellness benefits

that may come with receiving convenient retirement services, no one likes to make

a move under worrisome circumstances. It’s important to think about how you

want to spend your energy going forward. For many, making a move before the

need for personal support may actually help to improve or maintain their current

state of health through proper diet, management of medication administration

and social interaction. Rest assured, should your care needs change in the future,

you’ll also already be living in a place where they can be accommodated by staff

you’ve come to know and trust.

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CASE STUDY : MARY & DOUGLAS

Residents Mary* and Douglas* moved into their Chartwell retirement residence in

2014, along with their adorable bichon. Proud former owners of a local restaurant

and bakery, they are now happy to have someone else doing the cooking for them!

They chose to move into their residence because they were eager to live a worry-

free retirement lifestyle where everything was taken care of for them, and are over

the moon with their experience thus far. They explain they’ve made many new

friends and particularly enjoy relaxing on the home’s beautiful patio during the

summer months.

*Names of residents have been changed in order to protect their privacy

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PLANNING AHEADEven if you feel you are currently managing well on your own, and don’t require

any additional assistance with things like maintaining your home or carrying out

daily tasks like cooking, cleaning or shopping, it never hurts to plan for the future.

Waiting for changes in your current health or mobility shouldn’t necessarily be the

benchmark on which to base your readiness for retirement living, especially if you

have a desire to relieve some of your daily responsibilities so you can spend your

time on the things you enjoy most. Why not be proactive and begin exploring your

options, or discuss your wishes for the future with your family? When you’re in

good health, you’re better equipped to make an informed decision, as you’ve had

the freedom to explore your options without the time pressure or urgency that

may accompany a health incident.

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CASE STUDY : PETER & ANNE

When Peter’s* wife Anne* experienced a fall that resulted in a visit to the hospital, he knew

the time was right to move into a retirement residence, where he could receive help and

support for her daily needs. Sadly, two months after making the move, Anne passed away,

and Peter chose to move back to his house, thinking he had no need to be there. But,

as Peter—a self-described people-person—quickly discovered, he was too lonely living on

his own. Changing his mind, he moved back to the retirement residence and chose an

independent apartment for himself. Today, almost four years after Peter moved into his

Chartwell home, he enjoys telling jokes, playing cards and dancing with his group of friends,

and he’s even become a resident ambassador who welcomes new arrivals.

*Names of residents have been changed in order to protect their privacy

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AM I READY? SURVEYWhether you’ve determined you’re ready to move into a

retirement residence, or you’re still considering your options,

it’s important to assess your personal situation and determine what

areas of daily life—if any—you may need some additional support

with. Our “Am I Ready?” Survey can help you assess whether a

senior living lifestyle may benefit you at this stage in your life and

what level of accommodation is the best fit.

Visit chartwell.com/getting-started/searching-for-self/am-i-ready to take the

helpful survey.

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HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT

RESIDENCE FOR ME? If you’ve determined the time is right, your next step is finding a retirement

residence that not only fits your unique needs and preferences, but also feels

like home. Whether you’re researching online, engaging with friends and

loved ones on referrals or recommendations, or asking the opinion of your

family physician, here are some steps you can take that will help you narrow

down your options:

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

First determine what area you want to live in, whether that be the

town you currently live in, somewhere near your children or other

family members, or a place you’ve always wanted to live.

DETERMINE PERSONAL PRIORITIES

Before visiting retirement residences, it’s good to have a general

knowledge of what you want in terms of suite size (i.e. studio,

one-bedroom, etc.) and recognize any support needs that you

need addressed, as the lifestyle option you may need may not be

offered at the home you’re interested in. Also consider if there are

any amenities, like outdoor space or an exercise room, or general

services, like housekeeping or a dining program, that you would like

to take advantage of.

SCHEDULE IN-PERSON VISITS

Once you’ve narrowed down your options after doing your

research, begin to place calls and arrange for personalized tours of

the residences you want to learn more about. This will give you a

first-hand experience of what it’s like to live there, and help you to

determine if it feels right for you.

ASK FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

After your tour, reach out if you need more information or clarification

of anything you learned so you can make an informed decision that

you feel good about!

CAN I AFFORD RETIREMENT LIVING?

Chartwell’s Budget Assistant Tool can help you identify your current living

expenses and offers an estimate of projected income from the sale of your home.

These calculations can help you evaluate if retirement living is more affordable than

you may realize, compared to your current living arrangement.

Visit chartwell.com/learn/budget-assistant to use the tool.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONSRetirement residences offer a number of living and support options

that cater to a broad-range of needs and preferences. Whether

you are an independent and active senior seeking convenient

retirement services without the need for personal support, or could

use some additional help with activities of daily living, there’s an

option out there that will fit your unique lifestyle.

Here’s an explanation of some of the common

lifestyle options you’ll hear about:

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Ideal for active seniors who do not require care support,

an independent living lifestyle may consist of 24-hour

security, housekeeping and laundry services, access to on-

site amenities and programs, and even the option of meals.

INDEPENDENT SUPPORTIVE LIVING

Similar to independent living, but with the added availability

of personal support, such as medication monitoring or

assistance with activities of daily living. Flexible services

are offered that can be added or removed from your

package as your needs change.

ASSISTED LIVING

Many retirement residences are equipped with assisted

living services or even dedicated floors, where seniors

who require more help with their everyday routine can also

benefit from specialized activities and programming, as

well as amenity space such as a dining room and activity

lounge designed with their needs in mind.

MEMORY CARE

Designed for seniors living with dementia, specially-trained

staff provide dedicated programming, dining and service

in a secure floor or neighbourhood to help residents lead

a good day, every day.

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CHOICE OF

ACCOMMODATION

These days, retirement living comes in all shapes

and sizes—from the number of bedrooms to the

accommodation type itself! Here are some of the

accommodation options offered at Chartwell

homes across the country:

Retirement Residence Suites

Senior Apartments

Senior Townhomes

Senior Bungalows

Senior Cottages

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WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN

TAKING A TOUR ?After completing your research and narrowing down the list of homes that

interest you, it’s important to schedule an in-person tour to get a good feel for

the home. Upon arrival, there are a number of things you can take notice of: for

example, the upkeep and physical appearance of the residence, the surrounding

environment, and if you get that “at home” feeling. How are staff interacting

with residents and each other? Do current residents seem like they are enjoying

themselves? Don’t be afraid to stop and chat with a staff member besides your

Retirement Living Consultant, or even a resident or family member, to hear their

thoughts on living and working at the residence.

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QUESTIONS TO ASK WHILE ON A TOUR OF A RETIREMENT RESIDENCEWhile on a tour, it’s important to ask questions that cannot

be answered simply by looking around the residence in

order to get a better feel for what living there is truly like.

There can be a lot to see and absorb, so here are some

questions that can help you assess whether the home meets

your needs and desires:

WHAT LIVING AND SUPPORT

OPTIONS ARE OFFERED HERE ?

Explain your situation and see if they can

accommodate your unique needs and preferences.

WHAT AMENITIES DO YOU HAVE HERE ?

This is important if you have a specific hobby or

interest you were hoping to explore once you move in,

such as gardening or fitness.

DO YOU HAVE A SAMPLE ACTIVITY

CALENDAR AND MENU I CAN

SEE OR EXPERIENCE ?

This will give you a snapshot of how residents

spend their time, as well as what they eat—and

don’t be afraid to ask to stay for a meal to try the

menu for yourself!

CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE

CHANGING NEEDS ?

It’s important to understand if the residence offers

the ability to add services so that you may not have

to move if you end up needing additional help.

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TIPS FOR MAKING THE

TRANSITION EASIERAs with any change in life, downsizing from a house you love to make the move to a

place with new people and experiences can cause concern and apprehension, but it’s

important to know that such feelings are natural and will subside once you are established

and comfortable. Here are some tips that may make your transition smoother:

ESTABLISH A PLAN FOR DOWNSIZING

Determining what items and furniture to bring with you and what

things to give away may seem intimidating at first, but it can make

the moving process a lot simpler. Start by going through one

room in your house at a time. Donate any unwanted items, and

gift your family with any items they may be interested in that you

can’t accommodate in your new suite. Involving your family in the

process can also help you spread the work.

INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO STAFF AND RESIDENTS

Getting to know some of your fellow residents and staff members

will make you feel at home faster. Introduce yourself to staff

or residents you may not have met yet, and if you want advice

on where to sit at dinner or how to join an activity, ask a staff

member you trust. They know who everyone is, and may be able

to introduce you to someone who they know shares your interests

or even sense of humour!

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INVITE FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO VISIT

Another great way to help yourself feel comfortable is to welcome

friends and family to your new home. Consider inviting them to

join you for lunch or dinner in the dining room, or alternatively

book your community’s private dining room—should they have

one—to host a celebration or event. If you’re apprehensive about

trying a new residence activity, why not consider asking a friend

to join you to help break the ice?

GET INVOLVED IN ACTIVITIES

One of the best ways to meet new people is through the

residence’s programs, activities and outings. You may feel a

desire to stay in your suite when you first move in, but challenge

yourself to join a card tournament, movie night or trip out in

the community and you may find you’ve found a new friend

without even trying.

GIVE YOURSELF SIX MONTHS

For some individuals, it can take three to six months until they

feel entirely settled and comfortable in their new home, so don’t

feel discouraged if it takes you time to adjust—this is natural and

everyone goes through it, no matter how outgoing or shy they

are. Before you know it, you’ll be the one showing a new resident

around the home!

TIPS FOR MAKING THE

TRANSITION EASIER...continued

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READY TO EXPLORE YOUR RETIREMENT

LIVING OPTIONS WITH CHARTWELL?

If you feel the time is right for retirement living, and you’d like to begin exploring

what Chartwell retirement residences are available in the geographic area of

your choice, visit chartwell.com or call us at 1-855-461-0685 to find the home

nearest you. From there you can reach out for any additional information you may

require and schedule a personalized tour and complimentary meal, where you will

experience what it’s like to live there firsthand.

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NOTES

Copyright @ Chartwell Master Care L.P. 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored electronically in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission of Chartwell Master Care L.P.

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